How do you manage your biggest projects and delete tasks to your team?
If your answer was to mark the date in a paperback calendar and write a to-do list on a yellow notepad, we have some good news for you: it’s all online now!
Project management software is rapidly becoming a crucial piece in any business owner’s arsenal who is looking to succeed.
This type of software is a great tool to help you keep your team on track with big projects, and even increase their productivity.
There are a ton of options out there, which can be a bit overwhelming. So here’s our top three recommendations!
First Of All, What Is A Project Management System?
Before we dive into our top three recommendations, it’s important for you to understand what a project management system actually is.
This is where things can get a little tricky: these days, project management systems can be pretty much everything!
Essentially, a project management system is a piece of software that will help you and your team break down an important project into manageable tasks.
Using the software, you can then delegate these tasks to your team members and keep a bird’s eye point of view on how each member is progressing.
Each software will have in-built calendar and deadline functions, so you can make sure you deliver on time.
Each software has different capabilities and advantages, but typically share the following common features:
- An in-built calendar to track approaching deadlines
- A to-do list for each individual team member
- Time tracking function for each member’s time spent on a task or project
- Team group chat to encourage communication, supervision and collaboration
- Delegation of tasks to team member functionality
- Private messaging feature
- Client tracklist
- Collaborative note taking
It’s a digital space where your whole team can come together to collaborate on a large-scale project.
Project management systems are an absolute must for modern day business.
They will ensure your projects are done on time. Moreover, they will help avoid stress and work overwhelm among your employees.
It is far easier to approach a project that has been broken into a dozen or so small tasks, rather than a massive, complicated project.
This in turn results in increased focus, productivity and feelings of accomplishment – all from a piece of software!
Software #1 – Asana
Asana is the most well known project management system out there, and for good reason.
It features a minimalist and clean design that sports a to-do list at the heart of its dashboard.
Asana is well-known for being goal-oriented:
- You can track your time spent on each task
- You can set due dates for each task
- You can create team spaces
- Asana allows you to create recurring tasks to, so you don’t need to manually create repetitive tasks
- Asana actually creates reports based on ‘workstream’ – how productive each team member has been on each task or project
The best part about Asana is that it’s completely free to sign up with and create a personal account.
You’ll only be able to work on your own to-do list and projects, however, and will be unable to invite your whole team. Still, it’s great for testing out!
Lastly, Asana has a fun little mechanic: when you complete a task a colorful unicorn appears across your screen to celebrate.
Silly, we know, but it’s the little things like this that can keep your staff focused and motivated to complete their tasks.
Software #2 – Miro
Miro is a bit different from Asana: instead of focusing on goals in a to-do list type of way, it prioritizes visualization.
Miro is a digital whiteboard of sorts. You can visualize the different stages of a project, by designing workflows, mind maps and all sorts of graphic maps.
Your whole team can jump onto the platform to make changes and comments to further collaborate.
Plus, there are hundreds of templates for each and every project you might need.
One of the best things you can do here is show the project to your client: it will help them tremendously in understanding the work you’ll be doing to help them.
Unfortunately, there’s no to-do list function. Nor is there interteam communications, outside of comments.
But, just like Asana, you can create a personal account completely free of charge.
Software #3 – Notion
Notion is focused on note taking: it’s marketed as “a single space where you can write, think, and capture ideas.”
Additionally, it’s a productivity software that can improve collaboration among your team.
Notion can help you replace other software you may be using, combining your applications into a convenient package.
However, because it’s mainly focused on note taking and inter-team collaboration, it can quickly become crowded with content if you don’t keep an eye on it. Just something to be aware of.
Like the other items on this list, you’re able to create a free personal account.
Leave Software Behind: Get In-Person Financial Success
In conclusion, a project management software – like the ones listed above – can help you keep your team organized and communications clear.
Both of which are essential to running a successful business that is renowned for delivering results on time.
But did you know the biggest hindrance that can distract business owners from projects is finances – or lack thereof!
Get in touch with The A Firm today and we can help make sure your finances are on track with your projects!